Cycling UK Forum

1. I bielieve that your bike has to be able to fit into a 1.2M x 0.9M bag. is it as simple as that?
2. Can I cram more items into this bag?
3. Do they supply the bag?
4. Can I take extra baggage, ie the panniers if they don't fit in the bag?

1. eurostar baggage rule is 0.85M max height/width/depth, anything bigger you have to 'register' (and pay), but you can stretch this limit within reason although a bike bag could be a bit too far if it won't fit the free baggage racks
2. yep - no weight limits as long as you carry it yourself
3. no
4. you can take up to two pieces of baggage within the 0.85M rule plus hand baggage, in practice they are pretty lenient

imho the best option is reserve baggage space and take the bike as-is, no bag etc., just get off at gare du nord ready to ride, this costs £20 each way

http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/travel_information/at_the_station/bicycles.jsp

...i've seen a few people using this, looked very efficient, no delays getting off

otherwise follow the baggage rules...

http://www.eurostar.com/UK/uk/leisure/travel_information/at_the_station/baggage.jsp

btw i was on the eurostar to paris this morning so kept an eye open...

the 0.85m maximum was certainly not being strictly enforced at st pancras and the luggage racks at the end of carriage would take a bike in a bag with wheel/pedals off and bars flat - it'd be wise to board early so that you are sure to find an empty rack

just been out to Pyrenees via Eurostar to Paris & then sleeper to Hendaye.

I agree Eurostarseem fairly lenient. on way out packed in bags 120cm X 90 cm X 15cm . fitted through oversize X-ray machine ok and oversize racks in some of the carriages were probably circa 150cm long x 100cm deep. Nobody checked weight. Didn't seem to be an issue.

Note: We got a taxi across Paris from Gare du Nord. Had to more or less force a taxi to take them. There were a few that seemed big enough, but they declined or wouldn't move their seats. The chap who took us said Paris taxi's are not supposed to carry bikes. (no idea if this is true) (20 Euros to gare D'Austerlitz - which seemed close to standard cost)

There was mention at St Panceras of eurostar providing bags, but this may just be as protection from scratches & they'd still charge for carriage.

On the way back we didn't use the bags. We cycled across Paris (loads of bike lanes , just pre plan your route - jolly good fun) and were lucky as there was space to put bikes on train (25 Euros . booked at baggage office right at end of platform 3)

Next time I'll forget the bags and book them on complete.